Priceless WW1 artefact found in Walton returned to Anzac community

The cloth dates back more than 100 years to a distant New Zealand community (Image: Graheme Larter)

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An embroidered cloth, which dates back to the First World War and was made by a small New Zealand community, has been presented to a dignitary from the islands at a Walton church.

Sir Lockwood Smith, the High Commissioner for New Zealand, received the elaborately decorated cloth from Walton resident Michael Messina at St Mary’s Church last month.

The 100-year-old gem, made by the people of Stirling in Otago and sent over to a New Zealand soldier or regiment during the First World War , was discovered by Mr Messina in fortunate circumstances.

In 1980, he was refurbishing a newly-acquired property in Walton, not far from the Mount Felix Hospital site where thousands of New Zealand soldiers were looked after during the First World War.

An old blanket covering pipework in an outbuilding was removed and earmarked for a large bonfire following completion of the renovations.

In a document presented to the high commissioner, Mr Messina said: “Once the bonfire was in full flame, I started to throw the rubbish - it was only after I threw this heavily blackened dusty cloth on the fire that the bright flames and full moon shone on it.

“Something unusual caught my eye, and I quickly retrieved it before the fire took hold.”

Around 100,000 New Zealanders served in the First World War, approximately 10% of the population at the time.

The large cloth, containing sentiments and messages from 1916, will be on display at the New Zealand High Commission to commemorate the 27,000 soldiers treated at Mount Felix Hospital.

Sir Lockwood Smith said: “The cloth reminds us that those who served in the First World War came from every end of the earth and indeed every corner of New Zealand.

“It’s particularly special that Mr Messina has come forward now with this cloth, in the lead-up to the centenary of the Gallipoli landings on April 25 and the formation of the Australia and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC).”

The first casualties to be treated in a dedicated New Zealand hospital in the UK were at Walton, said the High Commissioner, and came from Gallipoli.

“The community in Walton has done so much to remember those soldiers and nurses who were based here, and each year they hold a special Anzac day service at St Mary’s.

“We’re so grateful that a community so far away from New Zealand hasn’t forgotten our boys.”